Holy Basil, Ocimum sanctum, also known as Tulsi or the "Queen of Herbs" is highly regarded in Ayurvedic medicine for its outstanding health benefits. It is considered sacred in Indian culture, is often referred to as a wonder herb and has been revered for its medicinal properties for centuries.
Tulsi is known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to stress, promote overall well-being, and support various bodily functions. It is often used to promote relaxation, improve respiratory health, boost immunity, and support cognitive function.
In addition to its stress-relieving and immune-boosting benefits, Holy Basil is also recognized for its anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant properties and is used to treat many conditions and disorders.
Holy Basil can be consumed in various forms, including as a tea, tincture, or supplement. It can also be used topically for its soothing and aromatic properties.
Top 17 Health Benefits of TULSI - The Queen of Herbs
1. STRESS REDUCTION
Tulsi is known for its ability to reduce the negative effects of stress on the body. It may help regulate the release of stress hormones like cortisol, promoting a more balanced stress response.
2. ENERGY AND VITALITY
Tulsi is believed to enhance energy levels and promote physical and mental stamina. It may help combat fatigue and improve overall vitality.
3. MOOD ENHANCEMENT
Tulsi has been traditionally used to uplift mood and promote a sense of well-being. It may have a calming effect on the mind and help reduce anxiety and depression. Tulsi contains compounds Ocimumosides A and B. These compounds reduce stress and balance the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain
4. IMMUNE SUPPORT
Tulsi is known for its immune-enhancing properties. It may help strengthen the immune system and protect against various infections and diseases.
5. COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Tulsi has been shown to have positive effects on cognitive function, including improved memory and focus. It may help enhance mental clarity and promote overall brain health.
6. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY - ANTI-SPASMODIC - ANTI-RHEUMATIC
Tulsi contains compounds with anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic & anti-rheumatic properties. It is also believed that the plant can reduce pain, soothe the nerves and reduce swelling as well as inflammation in the body
7.RESPIRATORY HEALTH
Holy Basil has been traditionally used to support respiratory health. It may help relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and coughs
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8. DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Holy Basil has digestive properties and may help alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and stomach cramps. It balances the acid refluxes and maintains the pH levels
9. CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Tulsi is believed to have cardio-protective effects. It may help regulate blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve overall heart health.
10: SKIN HEALTH & ORAL HEALTH
Holy Basil has antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties, which may help treat skin infections and promote clear and healthy skin. It is also used in skincare products for its soothing and rejuvenating properties. Due to it's Mast Cell stabilising anti-allergen properties,Tulsi can help to reduce redness, itching, and other symptoms associated with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea and allergic skin conditions such as itchy Hives. . The leaves of tulsi have antimicrobial properties that fight bacteria in the mouth. It also prevents the formation of a tooth cavity. Prevention of bad breath is also included among tulsi uses, so people should start utilising the plant.
11. BLOOD SUGAR MANAGEMENT
Tulsi, has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for various health conditions, including diabetes and blood sugar management. It is believed that Tulsi may help regulate blood sugar levels through various mechanisms. It may enhance insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta cells, improve glucose uptake by the cells, and inhibit glucose absorption in the intestine. Additionally, Tulsi has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to its potential benefits for blood sugar control.
12. LIVER SUPPORT - DETOX & WEIGHT LOSS
Tulsi is known to have hepatoprotective properties, which means it can help protect the liver from damage and support its optimal functioning. The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification by filtering toxins from the blood. Tulsi may help enhance liver function and promote detoxification.Since tulsi leaves help to remove toxins from our body and improve gut health, it also contributes to losing weight. The leaves activate the metabolism rate in our body, thus increasing the fat-burning process. People who have high BMI should consider drinking tulsi tea or fresh juices made of tulsi leaves daily so that they can shed extra weight.
13. ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY
Tulsi contains antioxidants that can help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage cells and contribute to the accumulation of toxins. By reducing oxidative stress, Tulsi may support the body's detoxification pathways.
14. MAST CELL STABILISER - ANTI-ALLERGIC
Holy basil prevents something called mast cell degranulation. Mast cells help to signal histamine responses in the body. Mast cells are a type of immune cell that plays a role in allergic reactions and inflammation. When mast cells are activated, they release various substances, including histamine, which can cause allergic symptoms. Several studies have shown that Holy Basil extracts and compounds found in Tulsi leaves have the ability to inhibit mast cell activation and histamine release. This suggests that Holy Basil may have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.
15. RADIOPROTECTIVE & DNA REPAIR
Tulsi, has been studied for it's potential radioprotective properties. Studies suggest it helps protect cells from the harmful effects of radiation by enhancing the body's antioxidant defenses and promoting DNA repair mechanisms.
16. ANTI-VIRAL & IMMUNOMODULATORY
Some studies have suggested that Tulsi may exhibit antiviral activity against certain viruses. Research has shown that Tulsi extracts have demonstrated inhibitory effects against viruses such as herpes simplex virus, Covid19, influenza virus, and dengue virus. These studies suggest that Tulsi may help inhibit the replication of these viruses and reduce their infectivity. Additionally, Tulsi is believed to have immunomodulatory effects, which means it may help regulate the immune system's response to viral infections. This can potentially support the body's defense mechanisms in fighting against viral pathogens.
Side Effects of Tulsi
It's important to note that while Holy Basil is generally considered safe for most people. When excessive amounts are used or you are on certain medications or have contraindications for certain medical conditions there can be some side effects to consider. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating Holy Basil into your health regimen.
- Excess intake of Tulsi, either in the form of food or medicine, is linked with eugenol overdose. Eugenol is said to reduce respiratory problems, but an overdose could result in poisoning. The common symptoms of the same include fast breathing, blood present in the urine, and blood while coughing.
- Excessive use of Tulsi can result in the development of a condition known as Hypoglycemia. In this condition, the blood sugar level is lowered abnormally. This is mainly for diabetic people who use Tulsi to cure blood sugar levels. However, precaution is mandatory.
- Overuse of Tulsi for pregnant women can have an adverse effect on both the mother and the baby. It may cause increased uterine contractions and can create problems during labor or menstruation after pregnancy.
- Tulsi may lead to blood thinning. Thus, it is avoided in anti-clotting drugs.
- Overuse of Tulsi can have a negative effect on male fertility.
CONCLUSION
Overall, Holy Basil is an outstanding versatile herb with a wide range of potential health benefits. Tulsi is a part of my families daily life, we grow it, drink it, cook with it, bathe in it and use it in our skincare. In my opinion this outstanding herb deserves a place in every home. Its calming, immune-boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable addition to any herbal materia medica.
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